Ancient Artifax

Welcome to the Pacific Rim Gallery. Offered here are ancient artifacts and ethnographic artworks. This gallery will be regularly updated so check back often. Please ask if you would like additional photos or more in-depth descriptions Enjoy your treasure hunt...

NOTE: International sales are welcome but require payment via PayPal. All items shipped outside of the United States must be fully insured, no exceptions. All shipping costs, insurance and import fees are the responsibility of the buyer.

Sepik River Stool — Papua New Guinea

Early to Mid-20th Century

A large wooden stool from the Sepik River area of Papua New Guinea. Definitely pre-1950s, possibly dating to the early 20th Century. Stone-carved from a single piece of wood, it shows designs and patterns typical for that region and time period. Some traces of original orange pigment remain in the more deeply carved crevices under the seat. The seat is worn smooth from many years, possibly decades, of indigenous use. Stools of this type were only used by high-ranking tribal officials; most likely an orator or someone affiliated with the village council. Condition is quite good, considering its age and obvious signs of long-term tribal use. Areas of insect and moisture damage, mainly on the base. An exceptional and very rare older example of Sepik River craftsmanship. Items from this period are getting increasingly difficult to come by.

Approx. 16" tall x 14" across the seat.

$500

Sawos Pottery Bowls — Papua New Guinea

20th Century

Three polychrome bowls from the Sawos people in East Sepik Province, dating to the third quarter of the 20th Century. Each highly decorated utilitarian bowl is made by women who construct them by coiling method. Men decorate the bowls by incising curvilinear and arciform designs mirrored on two or more sides of the bowls; outstanding motifs mimic nature or are representative of spirits. After the women low fire the bowls, the men heavily apply natural mineral pigments in shades of red, yellow, orange and white. The bowls, despite their elaborateness, are used for everyday eating and when not in use they are stored with their openings towards the ground to ensure visibility of their beautiful designs. Sawos bowls are found throughout the middle Sepik river region because they are traded to neighboring villages for fish, tobacco and other goods.
Custom metal display stands are included.

Bowl #1 (Top) - Small area of restoration along the rim, otherwise intact. Approx. 13.5" in diameter, with stand approx. 15.5" tall
$425

Bowl #2 (Center) - Intact. Approx. 12" in diameter, with stand approx. 15" tall
$400

Bowl #3 (Bottom) - Intact. Approx. 10.5" in diameter, with stand approx. 12" tall
$375

Papua New Guinea (PNG) Drum — New Guinea

Early to Mid-20th Century

An exceptional hand-held drum from Papua New Guinea. The hollow body is carved from wood and has a great patina with obvious signs of heavy tribal use. The original lizard-skin drum head is intact and is a very rare feature, seldom found in drums from this period. The black (rubber) band that secures the skin has likely been replaced as is common with older drums of this type. A decorative woven natural fiber band near the bottom is intact and appears original. Condition is near excellent. There is one small hole in the drum head, near the edge. Age cracks around the bottom of the drum have been stabilized with glue. Overall a fine example.

Custom metal display stand is included.

Drum is approx. 13" tall, with stand approx. 14.5" tall

$225

PNG Staff — New Guinea

20th Century

Wooden ceremonial staff from Papua New Guinea. Nicely carved in the form of a crocodile. Rich patina that shows wear consistent with age and tribal use. Likely dating to the latter half of the 20th Century. Condition is generally very good. One small chip on the nose and an age crack on the tail, otherwise choice.

Approx. 17" long

$75

PNG Pottery Collection — New Guinea

Mid-20th Century

A rare collection of pottery vessels from Papua New Guinea. Originally collected around 1960 from the (Latmul speaking) village of Aibom, which sits inland off the middle Sepik River in the Chambri Lakes region. Nicely sculpted in the traditional style, each are "janus" type, with similar designs on each side. All are basket-form with birds adorning each side of the handles. In very good condition. All have a few glued breaks as well as minor chips and dings. Generally near choice with strong paint. They show no sign of tribal use and are most likely early tourist pieces. Still a great collection of mid-century PNG pottery pieces. Damage could easily be restored, but display beautifully in their current condition. Not for sale individually. These were all acquired together and I prefer to keep the collection intact.

Heights range from 7" to 4.5" tall

$300 for the group

Carved Slit Drum — New Guinea

Mid-20th Century

An older, authentic wooden New Guinea slit drum, nicely carved on both sides with traditional tribal designs. With bird heads on each end, the entire drum is carved from a single piece of wood. Created for the "Cultural Arts Expo" held in Austraila in 1960. Although tribally carved and played, this drum was never exposed to the harsh climate of New Guinea and is therefore in excellent condition. A beautiful example for its age. The handmade drum sticks are not original to the piece, but are a nice addition for making the drum playable. No cracks or breaks, only slight wear along the edges from use. Displays well and sounds great.

Approx. 15" long x 6" tall

$195

Gold Butuan Death Mask — Philippines

1100-1500 AD

Exceptionally rare death mask. Made of high-karat hammered gold appliques. Used to cover parts of the face of the deceased in the Butuan culture of the Philippines. Three pieces for the eyes and mouth and a longer piece for the hairline. Each is fringe cut to represent hair and teeth. A few tiny tears, otherwise excellent condition. Custom mounted in a gold-tone shadowbox frame. Ex. Arte Primitivo

7" x 11" overall frame size

SOLD